Laserfiche WebLink
Bend. Mr. Mariani noted that on going communication with downtown business is vital to <br />maintain a comprehensive and accurate database and create an environment to encourage first <br />floor retail and office investment in Downtown South Bend. Also to make downtown <br />neighborhoods including core commercial districts more attractive places to live and to increase <br />residential opportunities in the downtown area. He stated that DTSB's goal is to be the lead <br />organization to promote the growth and vitality of Downtown South Bend. He advised that <br />DTSB's goal is to establish urban values by promoting and fostering communication to bring <br />about good design, project transparency, and provoking thought and visions for Downtown South <br />Bend. <br />Mr. Mariani then introduced Mr. Gred Conrad, Memorial Health System, and Treasurer of DTSB, <br />Board of Directors. Mr. Conrad stated that they have hired two independent CPA firms, Jurgonski <br />& Fredlake and Mancini to conduct audits. He was pleased to announce that the audits came <br />back clean, and that the two accounting firms regularly review the books. He introduced Ms. <br />Glenda Lamont, CPA, and Treasurer DTSB Board of Directors. She reiterated that with new <br />internal controls and streamlining the board and staff DTSB will allow for better reporting and <br />transparency. She noted that DTSW provides written monthly reports and invoices to the city on <br />how money is being spent. Mr. Paul Meyer, South Bend Clinic, Chair, DTSB Board of Directors, <br />noted that they very much appreciate the offer from the City of South Bend to continue its level of <br />funding to DTSB in the short term. He stated that DTSB understands that additional funding will <br />have to be found. He stated that DTSB was working to create a business improvement district <br />downtown, but that they are no longer pursuing it now because of the economy. He noted that <br />DTSB is doing more outreach to businesses outside of downtown to ask for their support. He <br />noted that events have been well attended, and DTSB is doing more with marketing. He <br />highlighted that construction started on July 21, 2008 to allow Downtown to become a little more <br />pedestrian and visitor friendly with the Michigan Streetscape project. He noted that in August <br />they implemented a free outdoor screening that was held on the Gridiron at the College Football <br />Hall of Fame and the turn out was great. He stated that DTSB partnered with the United Way of <br />St. Joseph County and the City of South Bend for a day of learning to live green and be active in <br />the community. This was an event to discover what's new in green technology and healthy living <br />and to take an active role in volunteering and held the United Way kick-off their National Day of <br />Action. Mr. Meyer introduced Jitin Kain, on loan to DTSB from the City of South Bend's <br />Department of Community and Economic Development. Mr. Kain advised that he has been <br />working on the DTSB website and was pleased to announce that there have been 5,000 to 6,000 <br />hits on the website just in the past couple of months. <br />Council President Rouse thanked DTSB for all their hard work and stated that for this <br />organization to flourish there must be collaboration between the City and DTSB and the <br />downtown community. <br />Mr. Jeff Gibney stated that he believes this is the right Board of Directors and Staff at DTSB. He <br />stated that with the construction of the new hotel directly across from the Century Center, WNIT <br />taking home in the WSBT building and Ivy Tech is looking at the building around the corner from <br />this location. Mr. Gibney stated that Ivy Tech has reached their all time high in enrollment this <br />year and are bulging at the seams and need to expand their campus. <br />Mr. Henry Davis questioned Mr. Gibney on why there are no chain restaurants located in <br />Downtown that are opened later at night, like a TGIF's? <br />Mr. Gibney stated that those kinds of chain restaurants look at demographics and plug data into a <br />computer that dictates whether or not it is feasible for them to build a new store or restaurant. He <br />noted that those kinds of establishments are tough nuts to crack. He stated that more homes <br />need to be built to bring those kinds of businesses. Mr. Gibney reiterated that the Board and <br />Staff at DTSB are the right people for the job. <br />